BACK

Impact of the curfew in Obo

By Gilles DELEUZE | LNC Translated into English by Karen Ann SULLIVAN

(Bangui, July 31, 2026 | LNC) Four days after the curfew was reinstated in Obo, in the country's northeast, security incidents have decreased—according to Haut-Mbomou Prefect Leonard Mbélé—much to the satisfaction of local residents. It is worth noting that, in response to the insecurity observed in the town, the Governor of Haut-Oubangui imposed a curfew running from 7:00 PM to 4:00 AM, effective July 27, 2026. Nadine, a local resident, says she has noticed a drop in robbery cases in her neighborhood: "Before, hearing about robberies was a regular occurrence, but with the curfew, I’ve seen an improvement." Gérard Sidoine, a merchant, acknowledges the curfew's impact but advocates for a relaxation of the rules to accommodate business activities: "It’s a good thing, but for us merchants, it’s a disadvantage because people are forced to go home early, which negatively affects business operations. I’d like to see the hours revised—perhaps shifting them to between 8:00 PM and 5:00 AM." The Prefect of Haut-Mbomou is pleased with the population's compliance with the curfew. It should be noted that the town of Obo, located over 1,200 km northeast of Bangui, has been the scene of fighting between the local Azandé militia and government forces since January 2026. On June 30, Father Martial Monga—a key figure in fostering inter-community reconciliation—was killed by unidentified gunmen in front of his church. In recent weeks, cases of armed robbery have multiplied across several neighborhoods.

LNC

Date: July 31, 2026

Copyright © 2013-2026 All rights reserved: LAMINE MEDIA